Metoprolol

Definition

Metoprolol/metohexal belongs to the group of so-called beta-receptor blockers. Beta-blockers are therefore opponents at the beta-receptors. Beta-blockers are used primarily in the cardiovascular system, e.g. to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), as part of a heart attack or in the event of heart failure (cardiac insufficiency). Beta-receptors are not only found on the heart and blood vessels, they are also found on the lungs, for example. Therefore, when Metohexal is taken, functional changes can also occur in other organs of the body.

Dosage and intake

Metoprolol is available in pharmacies in the form of tablets and is therefore taken orally, i.e. by mouth. The tablets can be purchased in different dosages. It is important to note that in addition to the “normal” tablet there is also a so-called retard preparation.

This serves to prolong the release of the active substance into the body, so that it may be possible to save a second dose of medication a day. Depending on the dose, the tablets have a notch to facilitate division. Metoprolol/Metohexal is only available on prescription, so you can only get it with the help of a doctor’s prescription at the pharmacy.

The duration of use as well as the dosage level must always be adjusted individually by the doctor to the patient concerned. The tablets should be taken without chewing and with sufficient liquid. If possible, they should be taken after a meal.

If only one dose a day is scheduled, it should be taken in the morning. If two doses are given twice a day, this should be in the morning and evening. The duration of taking Metoprolol/Metohexal is not limited in time as with other tablets.

If the tablets should nevertheless be discontinued, special attention should be paid to slow withdrawal. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to so-called cardiac ischemia, which means a lack of oxygen supply to the heart. A significant increase in blood pressure can also occur again.

These effects are also called rebound effects. Even when administered for the first time, it is recommended to slowly approach the required dose. The dosages of metoprolol vary depending on the disease. In the case of arterial hypertension, i.e. high blood pressure as it is commonly known, one tablet containing 50 milligrams is taken once or twice a day. If this is not enough, the dose can also be increased to two times two tablets, which then corresponds to 200 milligrams.